Tennessee Laws

This page summarizes ten Tennessee laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Tennessee Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Tennessee, you generally have 1 year from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Tenn. Code § 28-3-104). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Tennessee Comparative Negligence Laws

Tennessee follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Tennessee Minimum Wage in 2026

Tennessee has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies to employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Most employers are covered. Some workers may be exempt, and overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours a week.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Tennessee Final Paycheck Laws

In Tennessee, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday or within 21 days, whichever is later. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Tennessee Small Claims Court Limits

In Tennessee, you can sue for up to $25,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the General Sessions Court. General Sessions Court has no limit in cases to recover personal property or for eviction. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Tennessee Security Deposit Laws

Tennessee security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: no fixed statutory deadline; the landlord must provide an itemized list of damages and deal with any refund. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Tennessee Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Tennessee, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 14 days to pay or move. Applies in counties covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; other counties follow a different statute. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Tennessee Small Estate Affidavit

Tennessee small estate limit: no affidavit; a court small estate procedure is available for estates up to $50,000. Waiting period after death: 45 days. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Tennessee Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Tennessee does not recognize common law marriages formed in Tennessee. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Tennessee Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Tennessee: no minimum if the grounds arose while a spouse lived in Tennessee; otherwise 6 months. Waiting period: 60 days (90 days with minor children). You must still be able to show domicile, for example with a driver's license, voter registration or lease.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Tennessee

Popular cities: Memphis · Chattanooga · Nashville · Knoxville · Franklin · Cookeville

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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